Vern Anderson is the North Dakota Association for Communication Excellence 2009 communicator of the year. He is an animal scientist at NDSU's Carrington Research Extension Center.

The award recognizes an individual who has displayed exceptional expertise and professionalism in delivering educational programs and information to the public through several types of media. The association and NDSU Agriculture Communication staff selected Anderson for the honor.

Anderson focuses his work on cow/calf and feedlot nutrition and management, bison nutrition, crop-livestock integration and the evaluation of North Dakota-produced feedstuffs. He provides producers with information in a number of ways, including conducting beef feeding research projects, helping develop and participate in NDSU feedlot schools and BBQ Boot Camp, planning and developing beef cattle handling and feeding facilities, conducting economic development activities for the livestock industry and hosting visitors from around the world who are interested in North Dakota livestock.

He uses all possible means to communicate with North Dakota farmers and ranchers, such as face-to-face contacts, phone calls, e-mail, interactive video, news releases, publications and articles for professional journals. He also makes presentations in other states and countries.

Anderson, who was raised on a livestock farm near Strandburg, S.D., began working for the Carrington Research Extension Center in 1979. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from South Dakota State University and a doctorate from NDSU.

A luncheon in his honor is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 7, at noon in the NDSU Memorial Union Hidatsa room. Julie Ellingson, executive vice president of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, will be the featured speaker.

The cost for the luncheon is $8. Make checks payable to ACE. Sign up in Morrill Hall, room 7, or call 1-7881 by Dec. 1.